The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) of Taiwan issued a strong condemnation of China to support illegal fishing activities near the Dongsha Islands in the South China Sea, as reported by Focus Taiwan.
In a statement, the CGA reported that on 15 February, unusually large groups of Chinese fishing vessels appeared near Dongsha, with at least six maternal and 29 small boats, Focus Taiwan said.
Although the CGA ships were sent to remove the sugar boats, the Chinese coast guard ships entered Taiwan’s banned water and attempted to intervene, but their efforts failed according to the CGA.
Focus Taiwan reported that, in response to provocation, the CGA started an operation on 26 February to increase patrolling around Dongsha Islands.
As part of this operation, CGA reported to stop and ride the Chinese fishing ship “Yueraoyo 23588” on 26 February, but the Chinese coast guard once again intervened.
According to Focus Taiwan, similar incidents occurred on March 11 and between 12 and 18 March, when according to the CGA, the Chinese coast guard was built around the restricted water near the Dongsha Islands.
The CGA strongly condemned China’s Coast Guard works, stating that intervention was a stimulating challenge to Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Focus Taiwan said that CGA insisted that Dongsha Atol National Park is the first maritime national park in Taiwan, where strict rules restrict both commercial and private fishing activities.
The CGA further stated that Taiwan’s conservation efforts resulted in a prosperous and abundant maritime population in the area.
Conversely, China has severely reduced its ocean resources, causing Chinese fishermen to overcharge in Taiwan’s water for illegal fishing activities. Additionally, CGA confirmed that in line with the 2030 agenda of the United Nations for sustainable development, Taiwan would continue its fight against illegal fishing activities, which endanger the stability of maritime life, as is quoted by Focus Taiwan.
The CGA criticized the decision of its Coast Guard escort vessels for illegal fishing by China, saying it completely disregarding the stability of the ocean.
The administration also stated that the intervention of the Chinese coast guard not only increased tension in Taiwan Strait, but also disrupted peace in the Dongsha Island area.